JOHN WILLIE BERGEN

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JOHN WILLIE BERGEN

March 13, 1933 -

December 24, 2025

Rev. John W. Bergen was born March 13, 1933, to John G and Marie Bergen at Drake, SK. He had two older sisters, Katie and Susie, both deceased, and is survived by an older brother, Peter and younger sister, Laura. He is also survived by his wife Martha (nee Harms), as well as his children, Jan Miller (Don) of Winnipeg, Wes Bergen (Deb) of Pittsburgh, PA, Lynell Bergen (Brian Dyck) of Winnipeg, and Jean Williams-Bergen (Eric) of Canton, NY, plus ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

John was a man of many gifts and almost boundless energy. At various times of his life, he was a farmer, pastor, nursing home administrator, and entrepreneur, often more than one of these at any particular time. John loved his family. He loved children. He loved cars, especially getting new ones. He loved risk, regularly starting or buying new businesses. He loved God and the church. He loved music, and right to the end of his life sang along to songs even when he had no words of his own. He loved people, and regularly embarrassed his family by getting to know random strangers. He loved travelling, with trips to many countries around the world (Mexico, South Africa, China, Columbia…) and much of the U.S. He loved ice cream and coffee and almost anything Mom made.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Pembina Place Personal Care Home for the good care and companionship they provided our dad in the last months of his life.

A memorial service will be held at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, 926 Garfield St, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Donations in memoriam can be made to Mennonite Central Committee Canada or Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

A photo biography honouring John’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations

204-421-5501

Tributes: EthicalDeathCare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2026